🤝 Meet CleverHiker’s Founder

& Happy Father’s Day!

Behind every CleverHiker review is a passionate, gear-obsessed human. In this series, meet our dedicated team of analysts, writers, and editors making sure our recommendations are spot-on and trail-tested.

Say Hi to our OG Gear Analyst: Dave Collins

👋 Who’s Dave?

Dave grew up in an outdoorsy family and spent much of his childhood on the trail while earning his way to Eagle Scout. He spent over a decade studying the outdoor gear industry, testing equipment, and writing in-depth reviews while racking up extensive backpacking experience in some of the world’s most beautiful and challenging destinations. His highly analytical approach, thorough research, and sharp eye for emerging trends have made him a trusted authority in the outdoor gear space. Thanks to his outdoor experience and keen attention to detail, Dave has shaped CleverHiker into a trusted source for unbiased gear recommendations. He’s committed to helping others make smart decisions about the equipment they need to pursue their own outdoor adventures.
🎙️ Interview
We caught up with Dave while he cleaned out his gear garage in Portland, OR.

Why did you start CleverHiker, and what keeps you fired up about the work 13 years later?

I started CleverHiker because I’ve always loved hiking, backpacking, and camping. When I was preparing to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail, I couldn’t find the kind of trustworthy, well-researched gear reviews I was looking for. I saw a space for people trying to get into ultralight backpacking, especially beginners. After hiking the PCT, I poured myself into gear testing and creating the kind of resources I wished I’d had. Over a decade later, I still love hearing from readers who had incredible trips thanks to our work - those stories keep me going.

How has testing gear professionally changed the way you camp & backpack?

I’ve become much more dialed and minimalist. Testing all kinds of gear helped me figure out exactly what works best for me - and more importantly, how different needs shape gear choices for different people. My pack weight is lighter than ever, but I haven’t sacrificed safety or comfort. I’m always thinking critically now about trade-offs, performance, and value.

What's your favorite piece of outdoor gear?

The Zpacks Duplex and Triplex tents are at the top of my list. I use the Duplex or Duplex Lite for solo trips, and the Triplex when I’m with a partner. I’ve logged thousands of miles with them - they’re incredibly lightweight, spacious, and reliable in rough weather. These tents are pricey and not freestanding, but the weight savings make a huge difference on big-mile days deep in the mountains.

What upcoming adventures are you most excited about?

I’ve got a September trip to the San Juans of southern Colorado that I’m really excited about. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to explore but haven’t checked off yet. The scenery looks stunning, and I can’t wait to finally get into that backcountry.

What’s one tip you want to share with others?

Keep your pack weight as low as possible without compromising safety. A solid, lightweight packing listmakes all the difference - carrying too much gear is one of the fastest ways to make a trip miserable. Backpacking is hard work with big miles and big climbs. If your pack is light, you’ll hike farther, feel better, and actually enjoy the journey. The more time you spend doing it, the more dialed in your kit will become - but early on, try to be intentional and ruthless about cutting gear you don’t really need.

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Happy Father’s Day! 🫶

Need a last-minute gift? Our Father’s Day Gift Guide has plenty of great options pops is sure to love! ⬇️

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